It’s Scotch Month at Spec’s and we’re celebrating in style! But first, a quick summary of what scotch is and a couple of different types.
What Is Scotch?
So, what needs to be in a Scotch in order to be able to call it Scotch? It must be produced, bottled, and distilled in Scotland. Must be based on barley and water and must be aged in casks for at least three years. Whole grains and other cereal can be added to the malted barley mash in order to produce different flavor varieties.
Probably the most popular scotch term is single malt. That means, it is a whisky from a single Scottish distillery that is based on barley and water. It contains no other cereals, must be distilled and bottled in Scotland. A blended scotch requires at least one single malt scotch that is then paired with at least one single grain Scotch.
Now that we’re all on the same page, check out some of our favorite scotches that won’t break the bank while giving you plenty of bang for your buck!
Top Scotches Under $100
Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
Brand: Founded in 1824, Glenlivet continues to break traditions, set new standards and move things forward; selecting exceptional unique casks, finishes and liquids and delivering unique serves and cocktails to open up the world of single malt to all.
Taste: Zesty orange, pear, toffee apples
Finish: Long, creamy, and smooth
Glen Moray Speyside
Brand: Glen Moray is one of Scotland’s best loved single malt whiskies. It has been crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region. Pure waters from the River Lossie, malted barley, distillation in traditional copper stills and maturation in American ex-bourbon casks combine to give the whisky its smooth, well-balanced, classic Speyside character.
Taste: Malty toffee, blackcurrant, lemongrass, citrus
Finish: Comforting and warm. Caramelized citrus fruits fade to subtle spice.
Glenmorangie Single Malt
Brand: Deep in the Highlands of Scotland, Glenmorangie has been dreaming up delicious single malt whiskies since 1843. In order to keep their unique, mineral rich water source pure, they own and protect the entire forest surrounding the Tarlogie Springs.
Taste: toffee apples, baked pears, and mandarin oranges with clove, star anise, and leather
Finish: Long, elegant and gently mentholic.
Balvenie Caribbean Cask
The Balvenie is the only distillery in Scotland that still grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings and keeps both a coppersmith and a team of coopers on site. The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-year-old single malt whisky has been matured in traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years, and then ‘finished’ in casks that previously held Caribbean rum.
Taste: smooth, honeyed character married with notes of toffee and a hint of fruit
Finish: warm, lingering finish.
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